North East Derbyshire businesses are set to benefit from the launch of a new Shopfront Enhancement Scheme, with grants up to £10,000 up-for-grabs.

North East Derbyshire District Council is inviting businesses and landlords with street-facing commercial premises in the district to apply for grants to help improve the visual appearance of their properties.

This means businesses in towns such as Clay Cross, Dronfield and Eckington will be eligible for the support.

Funded through the North East Derbyshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme, the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme will not only enhance the character, value and appeal of each individual property, but collectively will have a positive impact on the appearance of the district’s high streets.

Matthew Broughton, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Director of Growth and Assets, said: “The Shopfront Enhancement Scheme is an exciting opportunity for businesses and landlords to improve their properties, helping to make our town centres and high streets a more inviting and vibrant place for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

“The Scheme will have a positive impact on our local communities and make a visible difference to our district whilst also providing an opportunity to make premises more energy efficient and reduce their utility costs and carbon footprints. We look forward to supporting North East Derbyshire District businesses to improve their properties, footfall and help their businesses thrive.”

Grants are available from a minimum of £500 to a maximum of £10,000, a contribution of up to 75% of total project costs.

The scheme could fund the following types of work:

• New signage, windows, doors, canopies and professional fees
• Improved energy efficiency
• Appropriate lighting
• Access improvements
• Reinstatement of historical shopfront
• Stonework repairs
• Appropriate external art-work
• External planters or seating

All works must adhere to the recommendations and principles of NEDDC’s Shopfront Design Guide.

For more information on eligibility criteria, the Shopfront Design Guide, and application process, visit the shop front enhancement pages on the council’s website.

For advice about the scheme, Email North East Derbyshire Council’s Economic Development Team.

The Shopfront Enhancement Scheme is the latest project to get underway, as part of a £2.5m package of funding awarded to the Council earlier this year from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to spend on initiatives to improve the District’s parks, play areas, shop fronts, tourism offer and business support, amongst other improvements over the coming years.